Alberta to stay in Canada; PM Mark Carney, First Nations and leaders hail unofficial results

As the dust settles the morning after the referendum, Prime Minister Mark Carney is making it clear how thrilled he is by the results.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Carney spoke earlier this morning, the PM told reporters in Ottawa ahead of his cabinet meeting. He said the two first discussed the situation in Wainwright before pivoting to talks about cooperation between the two governments on issues such as immigration and common priorities.

“It’s a great day for Canada. It’s such a good day I’m out of breath yet again, proving my lack of fitness,” Carney joked to reporters.

“(I’m) thrilled that Albertans have chosen unity. They’ve chosen to build together. They’ve chosen to continue to take care of each other, to move forward together with purpose.”

As of Tuesday morning, of the votes counted so far, an overwhelming majority of Albertans have voted to remain in Canada with 75.5 percent voting for option one and 24.5 per cent voting for option two.

In a post on X, Smith thanked Albertans for voting and said she was pleased that the majority of the province voted to remain in Canada.

Smith is expected to give an address at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday evening about the unofficial results of the referendum.

Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nation Trevor Mercredi said the outcome of question 10 was what he was expecting from the start.

“We’re going to have to be careful in how we move forward, and we’ll be watching every step of the way and making sure that our voices are heard on any one of those 10 questions,” Mercredi said.

“We understand that it’s not over. The referendum was a large part of it, however, we know the separatists aren’t going anywhere.”

Chief Samuel Crowfoot of Siksika Nation said the results are a clear message that Albertans have rejected division, saying First Nations have played an instrumental role in the referendum process.

“This result is not only a victory, but it’s also a reminder that our treaties, our rights, and our voices matter,” Crowfoot said.

Crowfoot stressed political disagreement should never become an excuse for any form of racism or hate. He said multiple First Nation members were being targeted on Monday with hateful remarks because of the continued discourse around separation.

“Our people should be able to leave their homes and visit neighbouring communities and go about their daily lives without fear of discrimination,” Crowfoot said.

Take Back Alberta leader David Parker took to X on Tuesday morning saying that the incoming results are bleak and that independence feels far away.

“We should not pretend this was not a defeat, however, it changes nothing about the reality of the circumstances Albertans find themselves in,” Parker said.

Postmedia has reached out to the Alberta Transition Council for comment.

Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi in his remarks on Tuesday criticized Smith for wasting millions of dollars on the referendum. He said Albertans are more concerned about affordability, health-care and the education system.

“Albertans showed up to vote last night. They sent a message to Danielle Smith. They rejected her and they rejected the separatist agenda that has brought us to this point,” Nenshi said.

Nenshi said going forward he wants to have conversations with everyone, including the 25 per cent of individuals who voted for the government to hold a binding referendum on separation.

“We want to be a government for all Albertans. We also want to change the nature of the conversation. It’s not about status quo versus independence. It’s about what is possible to be better,” Nenshi said.

Former UCP Premier Jason Kenney said the results of the vote amplify that Albertans believe remaining in Canada is the best option for the province economically.

“Businesses, workers and communities in Alberta understand that connections to the rest of Canada are a source of strength,” Kenney said.

Former Alberta NDP Premier Rachel Notley added the looming uncertainty of the referendum — particularly on separation — was difficult on businesses in the province.

“I know many Alberta businesses and possible investors are counting on this question being settled once-and-for-all,” Notley said. “As we move forward, let’s commit to delivering that finality for them.”